RACHEL CARSON HIGH SCHOOL

Overview

What is the Natural Resource Systems CAM and Rachel Carson Center?

The Natural Resource Systems CAM is earned through participation in Churchill High School’s Rachel Carson Center, a program where students form a community of learners who work together to gain a balanced, in-depth understanding of the natural environment through an integrated science and social studies curriculum.

What do we do?

• Explore natural habitats, such as watching salmon spawn in coastal rivers
• Monitor water quality in local watersheds
• Conduct scientific surveys
• Observe, learn and work outdoors in teams
• Debate current environmental issues
• Hear from and work with Resource Management professionals
• Grow organic vegetables and plants in the garden and greenhouse
• Apply knowledge and skills to real-world situations
• Create positive change within the school and larger community
• Use our own computer lab to complete web lessons and internet courses
• Go camping in the Redwoods, caving at Lava Beds National Monument or whitewater rafting

What do we believe?

• The keys to generating attitudes of civic responsibility, collaboration and discovery lie in taking students into the world.
• The value, depth and retention of learning increase when it is applied to real world situations that matter.
• Experience based learning provides for the development of knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for successful and active participation as a world citizen.

What about the credits?

First year students (Juniors) earn 3.0 credits (2.0 science, 1.0 social studies) by attending only ONE regularly scheduled class period (a combined Seminar/Field Studies class) and completing the remaining coursework, Ecology and Botany, electronically via web-based lessons.

Second year students (seniors) earn 3.0 credits (1.5 science, 1.0 social studies and .5 language arts) by attending TWO regularly scheduled class periods (a combined Seminar/Field Studies class and a Careers class) and completing the Technical Writing and Environmental Law classes electronically via the internet.

What careers are related to the Natural Resource Systems CAM?

• Wildlife Biologist
• Botanist
• Marine Biologist
• Cartographer
• Forester
• Greenhouse Manager
• Landscape Architect
• Environmental Engineer
• Fisheries Biologist
• Land Use Planner
• Environmental Lawyer
• Geologist
• Horticulturist
• Science Teacher
• Water Quality Engineer

RACHEL CARSON HIGH SCHOOL
COURSE OF STUDY

10TH

• BIOLOGY NATURAL RESOURCES NATURAL RESOURCES
  SEMINAR/ FIELD STUDIES ADVANCED SEMINAR
  (1 year) (1 year)
• ALGEBRA

11TH

• NATURAL RESOURCES SEMINAR/
  FIELD STUDIES (1 year)
• BOTANY/ECOLOGY
  (cybercourse)
  

12TH

• NATURAL RESOURCES ADVANCED SEMINAR (1 year)
• TECHNICAL WRITING (1 year)
• ENVIRONMENTAL LAW (1 semester)
• INTERNSHIP/
  CAREER (1 semester)

NATURAL RESOURCES SEMINAR
SS .5 Credit
11, 12
Prerequisite: Completion of Biology and Algebra I

The Seminar class in the Rachel Carson program examines some of the most important and controversial issues within the field of natural resources such as declining salmon populations, water and water use, forestry and wood product use and agriculture and soils. The course will also introduce students to Rachel Carson and explore her contributions to the field of natural resources.

The field of environmental science is rich with complex issues and rife with conflict among competing interests with opposing values and beliefs. The Seminar class encourages students to examine these issues through a balanced science and social studies curriculum in order to develop informed opinions and endeavor to solve real-world problems and make informed decisions.

The Seminar class features active learning. Students can expect a hands-on, project-based, collaborative and varied learning environment that incorporates field trips, lab activities, discussions and debates, reading and writing assignments, guest speakers and electronic cyber instruction.

NATURAL RESOURCES FIELD STUDIES
(Environmental Science)
SC .5 Credit
11, 12
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in Natural Resources Seminar

This course will provide students with hands-on learning experiences outside the school walls in local natural areas. The focus will be on learning and applying the skills and concepts used by professionals in assessing, monitoring and restoring natural areas. It is expected that all participants in this course will make a positive contribution to Lane County’s environmental health through active involvement in team-orientated field experiences and action projects. Students should expect to spend a large portion of their time outdoors during the class time.

ECOLOGY/BOTANY
SC 1.0 Credit
11, 12

This course has a dual focus. It will include the in-depth investigation of the relationships and interactions between of living things with one another and with their environment, and the study of plants and their relationship to the environment. Topics to be covered include:

• Population studies involving native plants and animals
• Energy and nutrient flows in the ecosystem
• Detailed study of local freshwater and forested environments
• Plant structures
• Classification
• Growth and development
• Ecology
• Diseases

This is a cybercourse. Students should expect to spend the majority of their class time working independently. Much of the course will be delivered over the internet.

ENVIRONMENTAL LAW
SS .5 Credit
11, 12

This class will explore the social, cultural and economic effects of environmental laws. Students will examine past and current environmental conflicts and laws and will assess the effectiveness of resulting legislation and its impact on the natural world and urban centers. Assignments will explore how individuals and communities make complex decisions among competing interests. Weekly assignments and projects (on topics such as urban sprawl, environmental racism and pollution) will require regular use of the Internet for research and extensive analytical writing.

TECHNICAL WRITING
LA .5 Credit
11, 12
Prerequisites: Successful completion of one year of high school English

This is a cybercourse. This course teaches students writing skills they will need most of their adult lives. A college preparatory course, students will also be exposed to writing for the world of work, as well as for their own personal needs. Sample writing assignments include manuals, business letters, resumes, memos, directions, specifications and complaint and adjustment letters. This course is for students who are able to work independently, can meet deadlines and enjoy working with computer technology.

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES PROJECT
SC, SS .5 Credit
11, 12

This project period provides Rachel Carson students the time needed for independent research and development of a final project. Project topics related to natural resources and/or environmental studies will be chosen by each student. The end result will be a significant product with written, visual and verbal components. Presentation of the final projects will be showcased at the spring term Watershed Summit. The majority of the work in this class will be completed independently with the guidance of the Rachel Carson teachers.

NATURAL RESOURCES ADVANCED SEMINAR
SS 1.0 Credit
12

Second year Rachel Carson students should expect a hands-on, project-based class that creates opportunities for students to practice academic, practical and interpersonal skills both in and outside the classroom. The class will include: small group seminar sessions that feature discussion and debate of natural resource and environmental studies issues; outdoor field studies activities led by professional natural resource workers; and exploration of the public policy decision-making process that affects natural resource issues. Units of study include Oregon Natural History, Native Americans in Oregon, Wetlands, Wildlife, Transportation and Urban Planning, GIS/GPS and Environmental Literature.

SENIOR INDEPENDENT STUDY PROJECT
SC, SS, LA .5 Credit
12

Students in this course will engage in significant independent research projects. The focus of the projects will be on community service and could include: lesson delivery at elementary schools and middle schools, production of educational videos, web page construction and maintenance, publishing of the Rachel Carson newsletter, organization of public work parties, and development of public service announcements for KRVM radio.

INTERNSHIP/CAREER SEMINAR
SC, SS 1.0 Credit
12

Students in this class will be involved in a 6-10 week internship at local businesses, government agencies, or non-profit organizations. During this time, they will interview and shadow natural resource professionals. They will also receive job training and become a contributing member of the organization they choose to work with. The remainder of the semester will focus on the development of skills related to planning for post-secondary experiences, leadership, self-awareness and communication.